Name: Ground Beef Potato Casserole – A Hearty, Easy Comfort Meal
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 small onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced; 2 large carrots, peeled and thinly sliced (optional); 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup; ½ cup milk; 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided; 1 tsp dried thyme (optional); Salt and black pepper, to taste; Cooking spray or butter (for greasing dish)

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When you’re in search of a warm, satisfying, and budget-friendly dinner, nothing beats a classic Ground Beef Potato Casserole. This dish checks every box for home-cooked comfort—savory, creamy, cheesy, and packed with wholesome ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Best of all, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it a favorite among those looking for good but easy dinners that feed a crowd without the fuss.

Whether you’re planning a weeknight meal, cooking for a large family, or assembling something to share with neighbors or friends, this casserole is a solid, reliable option. With layers of seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, carrots, and melted cheese, it’s a go-to recipe when you’re craving heartwarming satisfaction in one dish.

Why This Casserole Is a Go-To for Good But Easy Dinners

In the world of easy quick supper recipes, this casserole stands out for its simplicity, comfort factor, and ability to scale. It doesn’t require any complicated techniques, and the ingredients are as classic as they come—making it perfect for beginner cooks and seasoned home chefs alike.

Here’s why people love it:

Only one baking dish and one skillet—easy cleanup!
No fancy ingredients—uses pantry and fridge staples
Prep ahead friendly—ideal for meal planning
Kid-approved—cheesy, savory, and full of familiar flavors
Perfect for all seasons—hearty enough for winter, easy enough for summer

It’s not just a meal—it’s a comfort ritual, made simple.

Ingredients for Ground Beef Potato Casserole

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this family-favorite dish:

1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
2 large carrots, peeled and thinly sliced (optional for the hamburger potato carrot casserole version)
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
½ cup milk
1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 tsp dried thyme (optional)
Cooking spray or butter, for greasing the baking dish

Ingredient Tips:

For extra depth, swap cream of mushroom with cream of celery or cream of cheddar.
Add frozen peas or corn for more color and nutrients.
Use Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier texture if desired.

These ingredients are easy to find and cost-effective—ideal for easy meals for large families.

Essential Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

You don’t need fancy equipment to make this satisfying dish. Here’s what you’ll need:

9×13-inch baking dish
Large skillet
Cutting board and knife
Peeler (for potatoes and carrots)
Mixing bowl
Measuring cups and spoons
Aluminum foil

If you have a mandoline slicer, it makes cutting the potatoes and carrots quick and uniform, which helps them cook evenly.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make the Casserole

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or butter.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onions until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are soft—about 6–8 minutes. Add minced garlic, salt, pepper, and thyme. Stir for 1–2 more minutes. Drain excess grease if needed.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth. Stir in half of the shredded cheese.

Step 4: Layer the Casserole

Begin with a layer of sliced potatoes in the bottom of the casserole dish. Add a layer of carrots if using. Spoon half of the beef mixture over the vegetables. Pour some of the sauce over the top.

Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of sauce on top. Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the dish.

Step 5: Bake and Rest

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for another 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is golden and bubbling.

Let rest for 10 minutes before serving so the layers can settle and flavors blend.

Easy Quick Supper Recipes: What Makes This One Stand Out

Unlike many other casseroles recipes for dinner, this one offers a lot of flavor with very little prep time. It’s ready to go into the oven in just about 15 minutes and bakes into a hearty, cheesy masterpiece.

In terms of texture, it delivers everything you want: tender vegetables, savory beef, creamy sauce, and a golden melted cheese top. It’s especially great when you’re short on time but want a meal that feels homemade and nourishing.

Hamburger Potato Carrot Casserole Variation

To sneak in extra veggies and stretch your ingredients even further, the hamburger potato carrot casserole version is a smart twist. Carrots add a bit of natural sweetness and a pop of color that brightens the dish.

Simply layer thinly sliced carrots between the potato and beef layers and bake as usual. You can also sauté them briefly with the beef if you prefer a softer texture.

Make-Ahead Tips and Freezer Instructions

This casserole is fantastic for meal prepping. Here’s how to store and freeze it:

To make ahead: Assemble the entire casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Let sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before baking.
To freeze: Wrap the unbaked casserole tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
To reheat leftovers: Microwave individual portions or reheat covered in the oven at 325°F until warmed through.

This flexibility makes it a great option for meals to cook with friends, new parents, or meal trains.

Serving Suggestions and Side Ideas

Wondering what to serve with your casserole? Try these delicious side pairings:

Green salad with vinaigrette
Dinner rolls or crusty bread
Steamed green beans or broccoli
Sliced apples or applesauce for a sweet balance
Pickles or slaw to add a tangy crunch

This dish is filling enough to be served solo, but sides help round it out beautifully.

How This Compares to Amish Beef Casserole or Lighter Meals Dinners

This casserole shares similarities with Amish beef casserole, especially in its use of simple, wholesome ingredients. However, this version leans a bit more toward the creamy and cheesy side, making it a touch richer.

Want to lighten it up? Here’s how:

Use lean ground beef or ground turkey
Swap out regular cheese for reduced-fat
Use a homemade mushroom sauce with Greek yogurt
Add extra vegetables like zucchini or spinach

This makes it a great fit for those seeking lighter meals dinners without sacrificing comfort.

Tips for Customizing Casseroles Recipes for Dinner

Casseroles are made for creativity. Try these mix-and-match options:

Add vegetables like green beans, peas, mushrooms, or corn
Use different cheeses: mozzarella, pepper jack, or a sharp cheddar blend
Try alternative proteins like ground turkey or lentils for a vegetarian version
Spice it up with paprika, cayenne, or chili flakes

The possibilities are endless, and it’s a great way to clean out your fridge with a purpose—making this one of the best fridge-friendly casseroles recipes for dinner.

Perfect for Meals to Cook With Friends or Meal Trains

Whether you’re meal-prepping with a buddy, feeding a large family, or delivering dinner to someone in need, this casserole is a comforting and appreciated choice.

Transport tip: Let it cool slightly before moving it, and cover tightly. Bring with reheating instructions for the best experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Casseroles

Cutting potatoes too thick—they won’t cook through
Forgetting to cover while baking—you’ll dry out the top layer
Overloading with sauce—can make the casserole too soupy
Skipping the rest time—let it sit before slicing to help it set

Keep these tips in mind for consistent, delicious results every time.

FAQs About Ground Beef Potato Casseroles

Can I use frozen potatoes?
Yes! Just thaw and pat dry to avoid extra moisture.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Only if you use a gluten-free condensed soup or homemade sauce.

Can I make it in a slow cooker?
Absolutely. Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.

How do I reheat leftovers?
Microwave or oven works well—add a splash of milk to keep it moist.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but use two baking dishes or a deeper pan and extend the baking time slightly.

Conclusion

This Ground Beef Potato Casserole is a warm, hearty hug in a dish. With layers of tender potatoes, seasoned beef, creamy sauce, and gooey cheese, it’s the kind of meal that feeds your soul and your stomach. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or yourself, this recipe is easy to love and hard to forget.

If you try it, be sure to share it with someone who needs a little comfort food, leave a comment with your twist on it, and subscribe to our blog for more family-friendly recipes, casseroles, and cozy meals to come home to.

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